![Dhaanish Ahmed College of Engineering - [DACE]](https://img.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/col28161.gif?h=71.7&w=71.7&mode=stretch)
Dhaanish Ahmed College of Engineering (DACE) is a private engineering and management institution established in 2002 in Padappai, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It is affiliated to Anna University, approved by AICTE, and accredited by NAAC. DACE offers BE, B.Tech, and MBA programmes across eight undergraduate specialisations.
DACE is affiliated to Anna University, which holds NIRF rankings at the university level. As an affiliated college, DACE does not appear separately in NIRF Engineering rankings.
The 30-acre campus in Padappai, Chennai, is equipped with smart classrooms, advanced laboratories, a digital library, and high-speed Wi-Fi connectivity.
- BE programmes:
- Computer Science and Engineering
- Electronics and Communication Engineering
- Electrical and Electronics Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Robotics and Automation
- B.Tech programmes:
- Artificial Intelligence and Data Science
- Computer Science and Business Systems
- Petroleum Engineering
- MBA (2-year full-time, affiliated to Anna University)
Government quota four-year BE/B.Tech fee is INR 3,20,000 across all eight branches. Management quota fees are INR 3,60,000 for EEE and Mechanical Engineering and INR 4,40,000 for all other branches. MBA fee is INR 1,25,000 for two years, uniform under both quotas.
DACE students can avail Tamil Nadu government SC/ST scholarships, post-matric scholarships, and the National Scholarship Portal minority scholarship.
DACE placed students at a 92% placement rate with a highest package of INR 14 LPA and an average package of INR 8 LPA in the latest season. Over 1,950 students have been placed cumulatively with 95+ recruiters.
DACE Admission Dates 2026
DACE admissions for 2026-27 are governed by TNEA for all BE and B.Tech programmes and TANCET for MBA. Government quota seats are allotted through state counselling by the Directorate of Technical Education (DoTE), Tamil Nadu. Round 1 counselling is concluded and subsequent rounds are in progress.
| Event | BE/B.Tech Dates | MBA Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Registration | May 3 to June 5, 2026 (TNEA) | March 16 to April 15, 2026 (TANCET) |
| Entrance Exam | No exam (Class 12 marks-based rank) | May 9, 2026 (TANCET) |
| Rank List / Result | July 1, 2026 | May 22, 2026 |
| Round 1 Choice Filling | July 20 to July 22, 2026 | July to August 2026 (Anna University) |
| First Allotment | July 26, 2026 | After counselling |
| Subsequent Rounds | August 2026 (ongoing) | August 2026 (Tentative) |
The table below lists the exam accepted and the admission route for each programme at DACE.
| Programme | Exam Accepted | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| BE / B.Tech (Government Quota) | TNEA (Class 12 PCM marks-based) | DoTE Tamil Nadu single-window counselling |
| BE / B.Tech (Management Quota) | Class 12 eligibility | Direct admission through DACE admissions office |
| MBA (Government Quota) | TANCET | Anna University MBA counselling |
| MBA (Management Quota) | TANCET | Direct through DACE admissions office |
DACE Courses and Fees
DACE offers eight four-year UG engineering programmes and a two-year MBA affiliated to Anna University. Government quota BE/B.Tech fees are uniform at INR 3,20,000 across all branches. Management quota fees vary by branch, with a premium on technology-forward programmes.
| Course | Duration | Govt Quota Fees | Mgmt Quota Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| BE (Computer Science and Engineering) | 4 years | INR 3,20,000 | INR 4,40,000 |
| BE (Electronics and Communication Engineering) | 4 years | INR 3,20,000 | INR 4,40,000 |
| BE (Electrical and Electronics Engineering) | 4 years | INR 3,20,000 | INR 3,60,000 |
| BE (Mechanical Engineering) | 4 years | INR 3,20,000 | INR 3,60,000 |
| BE (Robotics and Automation) | 4 years | INR 3,20,000 | INR 4,40,000 |
| B.Tech (AI and Data Science) | 4 years | INR 3,20,000 | INR 4,40,000 |
| B.Tech (CS and Business Systems) | 4 years | INR 3,20,000 | INR 4,40,000 |
| B.Tech (Petroleum Engineering) | 4 years | INR 3,20,000 | INR 4,40,000 |
| MBA | 2 years | INR 1,25,000 | INR 1,25,000 |
Robotics and Automation and Petroleum Engineering are niche branches rarely offered at private Anna University-affiliated colleges in Chennai. MBA fees are uniform across both quotas at DACE, which is uncommon for Tamil Nadu private colleges where management quota typically carries a premium.
DACE Admission Process
Government quota BE and B.Tech seats at DACE are filled entirely through TNEA 2026 counselling by DoTE, Tamil Nadu. There is no separate entrance exam; TNEA rank is based on Class 12 PCM aggregate marks. Management quota seats are filled directly by the college.
BE / B.Tech Admission
- Eligibility: 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Minimum 45% aggregate for OC/BC/MBC candidates. SC and ST candidates need only pass marks as per Tamil Nadu norms.
- Candidates register on the TNEA portal (tneaonline.org) and receive a rank based on Class 12 PCM aggregate.
- During web counselling, candidates add DACE and preferred branch to the choice list. Allotment is strictly rank-based.
- Tiebreaker for equal TNEA rank: Mathematics marks, then Physics marks, then Chemistry marks, then age (older candidate preferred).
- Confirmed candidates report to DACE with original Class 10 and 12 mark sheets and the TNEA allotment letter.
Management quota seats are available for students who meet basic eligibility. Applications are submitted directly at dace.ac.in or through the DACE admissions office.
MBA Admission
- Eligibility: Any bachelor’s degree with minimum 50% aggregate (45% for reserved categories). Final-year students may apply provisionally.
- Admission is through TANCET score followed by Anna University MBA counselling for government quota seats.
- Management quota MBA seats are filled by DACE directly, based on TANCET score and graduation marks.
DACE Placements
DACE reported a 92% placement rate in the latest placement season, with a highest package of INR 14 LPA and an average package of INR 8 LPA. Over 1,950 students have been placed cumulatively across batches with 95+ recruiting companies.
Confirmed recruiters at DACE include Bosch, Genpact, IBM, JCB, Sanmina, Sysveda, and IDBI Bank. The Training and Placement Cell conducts aptitude training, soft skills sessions, and mock interviews before the placement season. Computer Science and Engineering, ECE, and AI and Data Science branches see the broadest recruiter participation.
DACE Scholarships
DACE students are eligible for state government and central government scholarship schemes. Tamil Nadu SC/ST candidates admitted through TNEA receive full tuition fee support. Other categories can apply through the Tamil Nadu e-Sevai portal.
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Tamil Nadu Government SC/ST Scholarship | SC/ST candidates admitted through TNEA | Full tuition fee waiver |
| Post-Matric Scholarship (BC/MBC/Minority) | BC, MBC, and minority students with family income below state threshold | Partial to full fee reimbursement |
| DACE Merit Scholarship | Students with outstanding Class 12 PCM scores | As per current scholarship brackets (contact admissions office) |
| National Scholarship Portal (Minority) | Eligible minority students | As per central government scheme |
Students must apply for government scholarships through the Tamil Nadu e-Sevai portal immediately after TNEA allotment confirmation. Central government minority scholarships are applied through scholarships.gov.in.
DACE Campus and Infrastructure
DACE is located in Padappai, in the Kancheepuram district of Chennai, across a 30-acre campus. The campus includes smart classrooms, advanced engineering laboratories, a digital library, and high-speed Wi-Fi.
Hostel accommodation is available for both male and female students at an annual fee of INR 75,000 to INR 1,10,000, inclusive of room and boarding charges. The campus also has sports facilities and a cafeteria. Padappai is well-connected to the Chennai city core via the GST Road corridor.
DACE vs Rajalakshmi Engineering College vs Sri Venkateswara College of Engineering
Aspirants comparing DACE typically also evaluate other Anna University-affiliated private engineering colleges in the Chennai suburban belt with comparable TNEA-based admission and fee ranges.
| Parameter | DACE, Chennai | Rajalakshmi Engineering College, Chennai | Sri Venkateswara College of Engineering, Chennai |
|---|---|---|---|
| Affiliation | Anna University / AICTE / NAAC | Anna University / AICTE | Anna University / AICTE / NAAC |
| Established | 2002 | 1997 | 1985 |
| Govt Quota BE Fee (4 yrs) | INR 3,20,000 | Comparable range | Comparable range |
| MBA | Available (Anna University) | Available | Available |
| Distinctive Branches | Petroleum Engineering, Robotics and Automation | Standard branches | Standard branches |
| Admission Route | TNEA (BE/BTech), TANCET (MBA) | TNEA, TANCET | TNEA, TANCET |
| Campus | 30 acres, Padappai | 100+ acres, Thandalam | Pennalur, Chennai |
DACE stands out for its niche B.Tech programmes in Petroleum Engineering and Robotics and Automation, which are uncommon at comparable Anna University-affiliated private colleges. Rajalakshmi Engineering College has a larger campus footprint and a longer track record. Sri Venkateswara College of Engineering is one of the older private colleges in the region with stronger brand recognition among recruiters.
DACE FAQs
Ques. What is the admission process for BE/B.Tech at DACE Chennai?
Ans. BE and B.Tech admission at DACE is through TNEA 2026 counselling by DoTE, Tamil Nadu. TNEA rank is based on Class 12 PCM aggregate marks only. No separate entrance exam is needed. Management quota seats are filled directly by DACE. TNEA Round 1 allotment was released on July 26, 2026, and subsequent rounds are ongoing.
Ques. What is the government quota BE fee at DACE Chennai?
Ans. The government quota four-year BE/B.Tech fee at DACE Chennai is INR 3,20,000, uniform across all eight branches. Management quota fees are INR 3,60,000 for EEE and Mechanical Engineering and INR 4,40,000 for CSE, ECE, Robotics, AI and DS, CS and Business Systems, and Petroleum Engineering.
Ques. What is the MBA fee at DACE and which exam is required?
Ans. The two-year MBA at DACE costs INR 1,25,000, identical under both government and management quotas. Admission requires a valid TANCET score followed by Anna University MBA counselling for government quota seats. Management quota MBA is filled directly by DACE.
Ques. Does DACE offer hostel facilities?
Ans. Yes, DACE has separate hostel accommodation for male and female students. Annual hostel fees range from INR 75,000 to INR 1,10,000, inclusive of room and boarding. Contact the DACE hostel office at dhaanishahmedcollege.ac.in for current room-wise rates and availability.
Ques. What is the minimum eligibility for BE at DACE Chennai?
Ans. Candidates must have passed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. A minimum aggregate of 45% in PCM is required for OC/BC/MBC candidates. SC and ST candidates need only pass marks. No separate entrance exam is required for government quota seats.
Ques. Does DACE offer Petroleum Engineering and Robotics?
Ans. Yes. DACE offers B.Tech Petroleum Engineering and BE Robotics and Automation, which are uncommon among Anna University-affiliated private colleges in Chennai. Both carry a four-year government quota fee of INR 3,20,000 and are admitted through TNEA counselling.
Ques. What are the placement statistics at DACE Chennai?
Ans. DACE reported a 92% placement rate with a highest package of INR 14 LPA and an average package of INR 8 LPA. Key recruiters include Bosch, IBM, Genpact, JCB, Sanmina, and Sysveda. Over 1,950 students have been placed cumulatively with 95+ companies.
Ques. What scholarships are available for DACE students?
Ans. DACE students can avail Tamil Nadu SC/ST scholarship (full fee waiver), BC/MBC/minority post-matric scholarship, the DACE merit scholarship for high Class 12 scorers, and the National Scholarship Portal minority scholarship. Apply through the Tamil Nadu e-Sevai portal immediately after TNEA allotment.
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